Several dozen protesters blocked a freeway exit ramp at 10th and Michigan streets in Milwaukee for several minutes around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

The group was part of a rally organized by Occupy Milwaukee that drew more than 100 people in Red Arrow Park. They were protesting police-involved shootings like the recent incident in Ferguson, Missouri.

Advertisement

One recent high-profile case in Milwaukee occurred in May at Red Arrow Park when 31-year-old Dontre Hamilton died.

“We feel like something has to be done as a people. We have to stand. We have to bring the police to understand how we feel in order for them to feel the way we feel. We need to make it uncomfortable for the police department," said Nate Hamilton, Dontre Hamilton’s brother.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn called protests like Sunday’s desperate, and said in the big picture his officers have community support.

“We’re not always going to get it perfectly right,” Flynn said. “But, again, I think one reason the community has maintained their support for us is they recognize how complex this job is and how often we do get it right.”

Milwaukee County sheriff's deputies were forced to redirect cars that were attempting to exit due to the protesters.

The ramp blockage did not appear to cause any crashes. Police made no arrests in connection with the protest.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The protests lasted almost four hours. Another rally is planned for Friday at Red Arrow Park.